Mission Peru

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  Student Blog 2- Kaden Norcross

  March 21, 2020
  Hello parents. If you don't already know me, my name is Kaden Norcross. I'm a grade 11 student in Peru serving as part of the mission Peru 2020 team. Here I've come to learn lots about myself, God and the world outside of North America. I've been faced with many challenges here, however, the outcome has always been rewarding. I've gone from chopping weeds to visiting children in the dump and all of these experiences have been beneficial.
  I would like to share my favorite part of the trip, which was visiting the Elim kid's ministry in the dump. I had an epiphany about my priorities during that experience. The dump was an awful environment. It was obviously filled with garbage, but the air that these kids were breathing every day was intoxicating. People were burning garbage and the air was filled with black smoke and a rotten aroma. When I saw the kids I nearly cried. They were all covered in dirt, with torn clothes, yet they were all smiling. To think that I had the audacity to complain about simple things like internet connection or chores made me feel guilt like no other. These kids wake up every day to scavenge for food through garbage, yet I complain about what I eat for dinner. I had a realization about my values later when we were playing with the kids. The kids had just been handed out cookies by our ministry and they were eaten pretty quickly. However, this one boy ran up to me and held one cookie up to me. I didn't believe that his kid could be handing out the little food he had so I asked a Spanish speaking student what the kid was saying, and she translated the boy's words to "do you want one?". If this 6-year-old child is willing to share the little food he has with a stranger, It is clear that things of the world should not be my priority. I realized that I need to shine God's light out onto others, as this kid did to me, instead of focusing on myself and my desires.

  « Student Blog 3- Judith Romero View All Student Blog 1- Mandy Dunmore »

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  On Tuesday, March 24, 2020, Keith and Carol McDougall said:

  Hi Grace, Grandma & Grandpa Sherk wanted us to tell you they love you and are thinking about you. Grandpa and I also love you very much. In Isaiah 49:15b-16a God says,"I would not forget you! See, I have written your name on my hand."You are well loved Granddaughter! Hope to see you soon! Big Hugs, Grandma & Grandpa McDougall

  On Monday, March 23, 2020, Keith and Carol McDougall said:

  Hi Grace, How are you?..found a verse from Isaiah 64:4 for you. "For since the world began, no ear has heard,and no eye has seen a God like you, who works for those who wait for Him!" and so we'll wait in hope for your return. Love, Big Hugs and Prayers, Grandma & Grandpa McDougall

  On Monday, March 23, 2020, Anna Thiessen said:

  Thank you for sharing your heart and Gods heart with us!

  On Sunday, March 22, 2020, Keith and Carol McDougall said:

  Hi Grace, Thinking about you and praying for God's care and protection over you and Olivia and the rest of the group.Psalms 29:11 "The Lord gives His people strength.The Lord blesses them with peace." All our Love, Big Hugs and many prayers, Grandma & Grandpa McDougall

  On Sunday, March 22, 2020, brad and colleen yenssen said:

  hey Grace, keep your eyes on Him. trust Him with all your heart. God is still in control and watches over u continuously and will keep u safe...luv u

  On Sunday, March 22, 2020, Kaden said:

  Hey Kaden so proud of you bud. I remember being in Africa as a teen and having that same epiphany of how much we take for granted and how truly the little children show happiness with all that is around them I'm so happy for your experience and this opportunity you will never ever forget it Your family loves you and prays for you daily see you soon Love u ! Auntie Karen & Uncle T

  On Saturday, March 21, 2020, Kevin Norcross said:

  Wow kid. That is so cool. It is amazing to hear that God is doing such a deep work in your heart. We are so thankful for you.

  On Saturday, March 21, 2020, Denise said:

  Thank you for sharing your experiences with us. I'm so glad that this trip is having such a profound impact on you and those around you.

  On Saturday, March 21, 2020, Mom said:

  Kaden, Jayla read this to us and of course we are so proud of you, but also touched by that little boy that would exhibit such unbelievable generosity. Kid, we can’t wait to see you and hear more. You are so, so, so missed. Xoxoxo

  On Saturday, March 21, 2020, Lilly said:

  Love seeing you worship Olivia and Grace! Your love for Jesus is so beautiful!! Can’t wait to see you soon! Praying for you all 💗💞

  On Saturday, March 21, 2020, Alicia Usher said:

  Hi Kaden! Thank you for sharing your experiences with us. I read it out loud to my family and we were all so moved. We continue to pray for you all.

  On Saturday, March 21, 2020, Keith and Carol McDougall said:

  Hi Grace, Hope you are doing well. We love you loads. Just wanted to remind you that God is all around you...He's ahead of you leading you, and behind you(He's got your back) Isaiah 52:12b. He's above you sheltering you with His wings. Psalms 61:4b He's under you, lifting you up and carrying you. Isaiah 63:9 Big Hugs Grandma & Grandpa

  On Saturday, March 21, 2020, Terry Jones said:

  This is the story of the Bible. How God is going after the outsider. You hit the proverbial nail on the head when you identify that that is who God is referring to in scripture...and we are one of them. We are meant to know that love and bring it to the world around us so that they know who God is. Jesus is the perfect reflection of the Father...and we are His image bearers. As Paul tells us...it is His love that compels us. Allow that love to change you... Hey Melina watched last nights worship time with Sadie on my lap...she definitely misses you...as do we.

  On Saturday, March 21, 2020, Jillian said:

  Kaden, thanks so much for sharing this moving account of your experience in Trujillo. Praying for you guys as you work through these difficult realizations together!

  On Saturday, March 21, 2020, Doug and Nancy Blackwell said:

  This is excellent Kaden. That little boy's generosity can be a lesson to all of us. It touched us through your writing of the encounter. We have only seen through pictures and heard through descriptions the poverty that these kids live in everyday. We have much to be thankful for! But that also means we have many lesson to learn on generosity and thankfulness. Thankful for the lessons that God is teaching you and all the others with you.

  On Saturday, March 21, 2020, chima adejuwon said:

  Great testimony

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